What a wild ride. I don't know what I was expecting with this book but it wasn't that. That's not a bad thing I just wasn't expecting the intensity and also I'll give y'all a definite trigger warning for all the bad things men have done and will continue to do, although there aren't any extremely graphic scenes that I can recall.
For once I think the summary has it right with the Practical Magic and Gone Girl references, there are definitely elements of both and I don't think you'd be disappointed if that's all you knew about the book going in.
Piers was an interesting character, I liked her a lot, she navigated a horrific series of events in pretty admirable ways while also completely fucking up sometimes and that's pretty relatable even if we can't all poison bad men whenever we want. I did feel like there were times where she made choices that didn't make sense for her, like the day or night after learning about bane witches and that her mother probably accidentally killed two husbands she JUST KISSES REGIS ALL WILLY NILLY RIGHT AFTER KILLING A DUDE WITH HER SPIT. GIRL. This was before learning more about her powers and the limits and stuff all she knew at that point was that she can eat poisonous things and kill two grown ass men. Crazy.
Also I wish Regis was fleshed out a little bit more, it just felt like he hopped on the poison killer train pretty easily for a police sheriff. Like there was a scene where he was like "there's something more that I'm missing" but that's not really explored. I know we can surmise that that thing is Piers but it really felt like she just said "hey I can poison the Saranac Strangler and I'm going to whether you like it or not" and he was just like "alright, but try not to" and that was it?
Anyway, I enjoyed the ride, I would classify the book more as a thriller/mystery over a romance but it was very well written, I like some moral ambiguity, tough decisions, and a deadly birthright.

4 stars! 🍄✨🌲

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this book, but I was not disappointed! This is the perfect mix of magic realism, intriguing plot points, lovely characters, and a quick paced storyline!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for an E-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

*Before considering reading, please look up trigger warnings*

In “The Bane Witch” we follow the POV of our main character Piers. Desperate to get away from her controlling and abusive husband she decides that the only way to accomplish this is by faking her own death and framing him for her murder. Piers has had many strange occurrences in the past with eating poisonous berries - all labeled as pica at an early age. However, there may be more to this craving than she initially assumes. After escaping, Piers takes on a new identity and shelter by her estranged Aunt Myrtle. She begins to learn the truth about her condition - her family comes from a long line of “Bane Witches” who are meant to protect the innocent and take down cruel men. She accidentally puts herself into a bind and needs to make things right. But it won’t be without hardships.

I REALLY enjoyed this book. The pacing was immaculate, and the writing was so addictive it captivated me from the start. The magic system was simple and to the point, and it served a very specific purpose. I really felt for Piers as a character. She never truly felt understood and wanted a fruitful and respectful marriage. Instead of her husband being great, he was horrid - an absolute nightmare. Having the visions that she did, would be very traumatic and I am happy she found answers as to why she experienced the things in life that she did.

I LOVED how atmospheric Myrtle’s Cafe/cabins were. I definitely feel like Piers thrived there along with her newfound family. I adored her relationship with Ed, Bart, Myrtle, and Regis. Seeing her grow as a person, and into her powers was a breath of fresh air.

This story had a lot of thrilling aspects to it, which kept me on my toes! I can’t wait to see what else this author releases ❤️

The Bane Witch was not at all what I expected but I did enjoy it. I found this book to be magical and full of suspense and mystery but also dark and even violent as well. I liked the lore behind bane witches and the author did a good job of weaving this into the plot. The thought of women getting revenge on men who deserve it is not something unseen in the book world, but I don’t recall reading a book that has spun it in this way before. As a reader, I can definitely tell this is about feminism and justice so that comes across very clearly. I did find it lacking a big climactic moment but maybe that was intentional? Perhaps the author just wanted us to concentrate on the other pieces of the story. Definitely something to think about. I definitely recommend this book to all of my witchy loving readers out there! I will definitely be looking forward to what this author has in store next.

Thank you to St. Martin’s and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

A lot of triggers in this one where I felt I totally judged a book by its cover. Mystery thriller with witches and more. This was good if you love both genres and want a totally different vibe.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

"We don't fear men in this house. Men fear us."

The premise of women consuming poison to then get rid of evil men was so alluring to me. Ultimately, this book left me feeling underwhelmed and slightly disappointed.

The first chapter, as it unveils Piers's fake suicide to get away from her abusive husband, felt clunky to me. The plan itself felt both convoluted and sloppy. For a plan that had all these steps and inclusions to lead cops to believe something else, it just didn't seem well thought out. I also struggled with Piers's personality. It seemed all over the place.

As much as I love witches and women who get revenge, this one wasn't completely for me, though I did find bits and pieces enjoyable.

A solid 4 Star read. I cannot wait to read more from Ava Morgyn!! A dark, witchy fantasy with a morally complex heroine and themes like female rage and vigilante justice. Excellent horror/thriller with a focus on real world violence. This book is dark and twisted in the best ways. Check content warnings!

Piers escapes her abusive husband by faking her own death (reminding me of the movie, Sleeping With The Enemy) and goes to stay with her aunt where she learns so much about herself. This novel is pretty great, there's murder mystery (which I love) and the main character has a wonderful character arc in the story.
My only criticism is that I wish there was more "showing" somehow of the information instead of just telling the reader, if that makes sense. Otherwise, I loved this book and I even loved the ending.

4.25. While a woman estranged from her family reconnecting with them to find out magic runs through her bloodline is not anything new, this was an interesting take on the particular power of a line of witches. Feminism, protection of women in community, justice meted out in what could be construed as revenge? No chance I'm going to dislike it. I liked it a lot. The strangler storyline was a good pairing with those themes. Free advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

A Spell Half-Cast

Witchy Books Are My Blood

I live for a good witchy read, and when I picked up The Bane Witch, I was ready for all the magic, mystery, and mayhem. But did it deliver? Well… my broomstick sputtered mid-flight.

The Good Stuff: Magic, Revenge, and Dark Power

A mystical lineage, dark powers, and a revenge-fueled purpose? Sign me up! The premise had all the makings of a spellbinding read, but sometimes, even the best potions don’t brew quite right.

A Witch on the Run

Piers fakes her own death to escape her husband and finds refuge with her aunt. There, she uncovers a chilling family secret—she's part of a line of Bane Witches, poison eaters who use their deadly gifts to rid the world of terrible men. Sounds like the best kind of nightmare, right?

Where the Potion Curdled

But here’s where things went a little… stale. Something about the execution didn’t click for me. The poison eater concept felt odd, and instead of drawing me deeper into the story, it left me distracted and detached.

A Mystery That Lost Its Magic

While the book does offer a thriller element, that nagging disconnect dulled the suspense. By the halfway mark, my interest slipped away like a wisp of smoke from an extinguished candle.

A Charm That Fizzled

This one wasn’t quite for me. It had its moments, but overall, it was just okay. Still, if the concept intrigues you, it might be your next witchy obsession. The magic just didn’t take hold for me, but maybe it will for you.

The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn was one of my most anticipated books of the year. However, I ended up being neutral about my feelings for it.

The premise was definitely something that I generally enjoy -- witches, a serial killer, and a romance. But I just couldn't get into the story. The mystery wasn't really a mystery, they weren't really trying to figure out who the killer was, they were just waiting for them to find Piers. The romance wasn't really a romance either, it was more about Piers making bad decisions and showing up at a guy's house for sex randomly in the middle of the night.

The actual Bane Witch part of the story was more interesting, with the lore of bane witches and how they have different talents and how they lure their marks to them. The other witches did seem very judgy though, especially since they knew that Piers hadn't been taught their ways growing up. How she hadn't accidentally killed more men is beyond me.

I just had a hard time picking this book back up to read it, and when I did I couldn't read for long before I was falling asleep. That's not a great attribute in a book. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this story, I don't know. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it, it's just kind of something I finished and have no strong feelings about.

All in all, if you enjoy witchy stories, or lore, or female power, then I would say to give this a chance. Just because it wasn't my favorite book doesn't mean it won't be yours.

The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn
✨ 4.5 stars! ✨

This book was everything I wanted and more. Imagine Sleeping with the Enemy meets Practical Magic—but darker, grittier, and utterly mesmerizing. Witchy books are my ultimate comfort reads, and The Bane Witch delivered on every level.I went in expecting spellwork and mystery, but what I got was something much more intense—this book was dark, emotionally raw, and completely addictive. The tension, the atmosphere, the high stakes—I devoured every page. And now? I need a second book. Like, immediately. If you love stories about witches reclaiming their power, slow-burning tension with a dangerous edge, and magic woven into a haunting, beautifully written narrative, this one is a must-read.

Genres:
Dark Fantasy
Paranormal Thriller
Witchy Fiction

The Vibes:
Powerful but haunted heroine
Dark and twisted
Found family vibes (with a mystical edge)
Survival and revenge
Magic that comes with a price

Would I recommend this book?
Absolutely. Especially if you love your witchy reads dark and dangerous. Ava Morgyn better be working on book two because I’m not done with this world.

Bestie, read this immediately.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley and Ava Morgyn for allowing me to opportunity to read and review this banger of a book.

ARC Book Review: #TheBaneWitch #NetGalley | 5 Stars | Witchcraft, Magical Realism, Family Drama


A very little poison may do a world of good - unless you're Piers Corbin, of course. From the poisonous (but not deadly, at least to her) pokeweed berries she ate by the fistful throughout her childhood, to the poisonous man she finds herself bound to in matrimony (and who she'll only leave in death, if his current proclivities continue), poison has always been the heart of the matter. When she manages to pull off an elaborate scheme to fake her own death and head for the hills - and, hopefully, her last remaining family member - Piers discovers that poison isn't just the past running to greet her - it's her birthright, and the culmination of generations of women who fought back against the world by ingesting poisons and using them to pull a (Dixie) Chicks on the Earls of the world. As Piers settles into her new incognito life, she must work to earn the right to her family's legacy while also avoiding the handsome town sheriff who has more than a few questions about the bodies she's been leaving in her wake. And to top it all off, Piers has caught the attention of a local serial killer, who seems to be moving in ever-tightening circles towards her. Can she find her place as a black widow before she becomes the prey in his spider's web?


Another absolutely thrilling witchy business-meets-female-empowerment read from Ava Morgyn! If you like "The Witches of Bone Hill", "The Bane Witch" feels like that book's older cousin who grew up hard in the sticks (in a good way) - the themes here are darker, there's more adult content (murder, spice, death in general), and the stakes are certainly higher for not only Piers, but the mountain community she calls home. But there are still also elements of grassroots, homespun witchcraft (this time, of a garden variety, pun absolutely intended) that you probably loved in her past works mixed with a story of a woman who overcomes the oppressive forces in her life to become something new - and in this case, even more powerful and deadly. If you were intrigued by the idea of a book that combines "Practical Magic" with "Gone Girl", you'll absolutely get that here, along with a healthy supper serving of that one TikTok with the Paris Paloma "at least I've got to try" audio; Lady Tofana/Aqua Tofana vibes; small-town investigating and small-town romance; mycology lessons; having the den of harpies come to you; women who are the human equivalent of Gila monsters; the Nicole Kidman divorce picture but make it in a log cabin; and the vibes of "Goodbye Earl", if you're feeling coy. I had a super craving for mushrooms after reading this and a super craving for more by the excellent Ava Morgyn - congrats on another fantastic novel!

I’m giving this a 3 out of 5 stars.

This was not a bad book but I don’t think this was a book for me. I know this will be an instant hit with others as it has been so far but this one just did not click with me the way I wanted/hoped it would. The concept of Gone Girl meets Belladonna collides in this one and it becomes the definition of a “good for her” hit. It had all the right components the thrill the chill and a little bit of magic. I hope this hits the way it’s suppose to for someone else and I am definitely putting this back on my tbr to revisit another time because I want it to wow me.

✒️📖ARC REVIEW📖🖋️

3.5 rounded down

The beginning of the book was fantastic! It was very similar to gone girl, and well thought out. However, our main character is just as smart as she is stupid. She planned the first part of her escape with practiced efficiency, but the majority of her actions afterwards are sloppy. You are feed pieces of how she planned the great escape from a dual point of view from one of the detectives. There is a great deal of connivence in the book that allows the main character to get away with quite a bit…a bit more than she probably deserves. Honestly, would not have minded this as much if it didn’t make the ending so predictable

When she finally meets the venery, they seem to agree. The meeting, or conclave, was hypocritical and cringy. Their actions leading up to the meeting mark them as jealous in my opinion, or at least shortsighted. The main character is “special,” but they don’t go check on her, a literal ticking time bomb, after her mother passed. Honestly would have saved everyone some trouble.

Enough about why the book gets some stars knocked off (really just cringy character actions that kind of don’t make sense). The concept is unique…many stories of women with poison are inspired by France and include them slipping poisons not modified by their own bodies. The lore and origin of the Bane Witches is well thought out, and Morgyn delivers the tid bits seemlessly with story’s action. There is some character development, but some of the venery names get lost in the sauce-they are all named after flowers and there are over a dozen of them.

There is also a dog!! He comes in handy. Mrytle explains the different abilities the “family” has, and is really a lovable, motherly figure in the book.

Despite the sweet moments in the book; this is not cozy or light hearted. The book is practical magic/thriller/literally fiction or commentary on some judicial failing for crimes against women and children. Not only does the main character question her role in the world as a Bane Witch, but also asks the reader what if they existed and took out “insert horrible human here -I can only think of Ted Bundy right now.” Could you live with it if you knew the truth?

I was provided a free advanced reader copy courtesy of St. Martin’s Press and Ava Morgyn via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

#arc #advancedreadercopy #NetGalley #TheBaneWitch #AvaMorgyn #StMartin’sPress

I devoured this book. I loved that the cover looks very innocent and cute but then when you dive in you are met with paranormal mystery and a thriller aspect. I really enjoy the way the poison magic system is explained and worked into the story. The book is fast paced and never boring. Thank you to NetGalley and st martins press for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

I was really looking forward to this book due to the unique plot and mystery promised. It started out intriguing, but there were many plot holes, and ultimately, just wasn't to my liking.

If you love thrillers this book is for you. I didn't realize when I started the book how much it would effect me. I am a reader who gets scared easy so this book for me kept me from sleeping because I couldn't get out of my mind what I had just read. This did not stop me from reading it though. I continued to the very end.

The storyline was extremely unique and unlike anything I've read before. The concept of poison eater witches definitely created a storyline that was original.

Author Ava Morgyn's characters are well developed and kept the flow of the storyline moving smoothly.

Ava Morgyn’s The Bane Witch follows the treacherous journey of self-discovery that Piers Corbin’s affinity for poisonous things–plants and men–takes her on. Piers has eaten pokeweed berries since she was five years old, and she caused a stranger’s accidental death.

She fakes her death to escape a volatile marriage to an abusive husband with dark tendencies and taste. Then, Piers travels to the mountains to stay with her estranged great aunt, where she discovers her love for eating pokeweed berries isn’t just a hunger but her birthright.

Morgan’s vivid and descriptive writing, detailed world-building, and colorful and natural-sounding dialogue pull you into each scene with the characters. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop for the night, and I couldn’t wait to pick it up again to finish reading. Morgan primarily focuses on developing the book’s fantasy, paranormal, and mystery elements with the romance as a subplot because the novel is about Pier’s journey of learning about her heritage, self-discovery, and becoming who she’s meant to be–a powerful Bane Witch, a poison eater, and hunter of evil men. The mythology of her family/the Bane Witches is fascinating, original, dark, and ominous. Morgan uses the novel to explore relatable, thought-provoking territory that definitely gets to you–it gets inside your head and stays there.

Piers trains with her Aunt Myrtle and works at her cafe to learn about her family heritage, which her mom kept secret from her, to earn her place within the family and carry out her family’s legacy. She takes advantage of the chemistry that simmers between her and the local sheriff, giving into a deadly flirtation to distract him from his suspicions about her aunt, her, and the deaths that have been multiplying since she’s been in town. Unfortunately, Piers also catches an active serial killer’s attention. Piers must accept who she is and begin feeding on poison so that she, and her magic, will be ready to take up her calling.

Piers is likable, relatable, complex, and intriguing. The other characters are, too, while some are revolting and creepy. I especially liked Detective Reyes and found his story interesting. Including him was a wonderful touch by Morgan. I liked Regis too. While Regis helps Piers’ evolution, more character development would improve the romance. Because I love romance, I would have loved more romance, but it wasn’t crucial to the story Morgan was telling. I love Piers’ and Regis’ connection, interactions, and intense chemistry. They bring much-needed light, love, and hope into the novel.

The Bane Witch is a dark, suspenseful, intriguing, fast-paced fantasy and paranormal romance perfect for fans of witches, magic, mysteries, thrillers, serial murders, and dark themes and stories.

CW: Domestic abuse, SA, torture, discussion of SA and torture of young girls and women, discussion of cannibalism, graphic scenes of violence.

St. Martin’s Griffin provided an advanced review copy via Netgalley for review.

Practical magic meets Gone Girl is a great way to describe this book.

This great for people that love thriller with a hint of magic. I loved the concept of this book. The story kicks off with Piers faking her death to get away from her abusive husband. She finds herself on the run and heads to her only family where she finds out she is a bane witch.

The pacing in the beginning was quick and the storyline has me hooked. Now throughout the middle is where I became a little lost. The pacing began to lag a little bit and some of the decisions that Piers was making drove me nuts.

Overall, I did end up liking this. It would be a perfect book during spooky season. The atmospheric vibe and witchy elements were perfect.

As always check your trigger warnings as there are some darker themes.

3.5 stars!

Thank you St. Martins & NetGalley for this eARC.

That was a fun read!! I mean poison eating witches who get rid of horrible men?!? Sign me up for that clan please and thank you!
I loved the FMC Piers! I really felt her pain and was rooting for her the entire book. And then there’s a little added romance that I adored.
The ending had me stressin out.
I recommend this book